Spiro[bicyclo[4.1.0]heptane-2,5′-[1,3]dioxane], 2′,2′,3,7,7-pentamethyl-, (1.alpha.,3.beta.,6.alpha.)- (CAS 121251-68-1) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Balsamic

Spiro[bicyclo[4.1.0]heptane-2,5'-[1,3]dioxane], 2',2',3,7,7-pentamethyl-, (1.alpha.,3.beta.,6.alpha.)-

CAS 121251-68-1

Origin
synthetic
Note
Base
IFRA
Use with awareness
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Spiro[bicyclo[4.1.0]heptane-2,5'-[1,3]dioxane], 2',2',3,7,7-pentamethyl-, (1.alpha.,3.beta.,6.alpha.)-?

This synthetic fragrance compound is primarily encountered in professional perfumery as a specialty ingredient. Its complex structure makes it valuable for creating unique olfactory effects in modern fragrance compositions. While not commonly recognized by consumers directly, it contributes to the depth and longevity of certain luxury perfumes. The ingredient matters to perfumers seeking novel woody-amber nuances that can’t be achieved with traditional materials. Its stability and diffusive properties make it particularly useful for creating signature accords in contemporary fragrances.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Stable under normal conditions
Limited safety data available
CAS
121251-68-1
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Spiro[bicyclo[4.1.0]heptane-2,5'-[1,3]dioxane], 2',2',3,7,7-pentamethyl-, (1.alpha.,3.beta.,6.alpha.)- Smell Like?

The aroma profile presents a sophisticated interplay of woody and ambery characteristics with subtle spicy undertones. Initially, it reveals a crisp, almost camphoraceous top note that quickly transitions into a warm heart of smooth sandalwood-like richness. The dry-down evolves into a complex base reminiscent of aged cedar chests with a whisper of vanilla-like sweetness. Throughout its evolution, it maintains an intriguing mineralic quality that adds modern freshness to traditional woody accords. The diffusion is moderate but persistent, making it particularly valuable for creating dimensional base notes with surprising lift.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

Spiro[bicyclo[4.1.0]heptane-2,5'-[1,3]dioxane], 2',2',3,7,7-pentamethyl-, (1R,3R,6S)-rel-

SMILES: C[C@@H]1CC[C@H]2[C@H](C2(C)C)C11COC(C)(C)OC1

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

This compound belongs to the spirocyclic ether class, characterized by its unique bridged ring system connecting a bicycloheptane core with a dioxane moiety. The pentamethyl substitution pattern contributes to its stability and olfactory properties. Synthesis typically involves multi-step routes starting from terpene precursors, with key steps including cyclization and methylation. The specific stereochemistry (1α,3β,6α) is crucial for its odor profile, demonstrating how subtle structural variations can dramatically impact fragrance performance. Its relatively large molecular size contributes to its persistence in fragrance formulations.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Low (8+ hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Base note modifier
Functional Fragrance0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Longevity booster

Classic Accords

Tip: Use in trace amounts to add sophistication to woody-amber bases without overwhelming the composition.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Norlimbanol CAS 70788-30-6

Offers similar woody-diffusive properties but with more pronounced dry wood character and higher impact at lower concentrations.

2
Ambroxan CAS 6790-58-5

Provides comparable amber-woody depth but with less spicy nuance and more marine facets.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

Not currently restricted by IFRA standards. General usage guidelines for fragrance materials apply.

RIFM Assessment

Under review by RIFM. Preliminary data suggests typical usage levels pose minimal risk.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, this compound avoids natural resource depletion concerns but requires energy-intensive synthesis. The production process should follow green chemistry principles to minimize environmental impact. Being highly potent at low concentrations contributes to its sustainability profile by reducing the quantity needed in formulations compared to less powerful alternatives.

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References

    Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.

    Report a data error

    Ingredient Data Sheet

    CAS 121251-68-1

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight238.37 g/mol🔬 PubChem
    LogP (Octanol-Water)3.7🔬 PubChem
    Boiling Point263 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
    Vapor Pressure0.0003 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point92.7 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
    log Kp (skin permeability)-1.527💻 Calculated
    SMILESCC1CCC2C(C2(C)C)C13COC(OC3)(C)C🔬 PubChem

    Volatility & Performance

    Fragrance NoteBase💻 Calculated
    Volatility ClassVery slow💻 Calculated
    Persistence Score7.5 / 5💻 Calculated

    Odor & Flavor

    Functional Groupsether💻 RDKit
    Data Sources & Attribution
    Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.

    Physicochemical Properties

    DTXSID: DTXSID70888256

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight 238.371 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
    Density 1.015 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
    Boiling Point 252.71 °C📊 OPERA
    Melting Point 58.293 °C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point 103.151 °C📊 OPERA
    Refractive Index 1.497 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
    Molar Volume 235.189 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

    Partition & Solubility

    LogP (Octanol-Water) 4.006 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 5.5) 4.006 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 7.4) 4.006 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 7.07 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    Water Solubility 0.001 mol/L📊 OPERA
    Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

    Transport Properties

    Vapor Pressure 0.019 mmHg📊 OPERA
    Surface Tension 32.508 dyn/cm📊 OPERA

    Molecular Descriptors

    Topological Polar Surface Area 18.46 Ų💻 Computed
    H-Bond Donors 0 count💻 Computed
    H-Bond Acceptors 2 count💻 Computed
    Rotatable Bonds 0 count💻 Computed
    Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
    Molar Refractivity 68.808 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
    Polarizability 27.278 Å^3📊 OPERA

    Data Sources:

    🔬 EPA Experimental data from U.S. EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard & CTX APIs. 📊 OPERA Predicted using EPA's OPERA QSAR models. 💻 Computed Calculated from SMILES using RDKit.

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